5 Jon Jones Heavyweight fights to make

Jon Jones recently announced that he was stepping away from the Light Heavyweight division and would like to move up to Heavyweight. Jones explained that he was relinquishing his belt on Twitter.

He noted his recent disputes with the UFC over negotiating the terms for his next fight, but went on to explain he had held positive discussions with the company and was now hopeful things could be worked out.

All this seems to indicate that we may be closer to finally seeing Jon Jones compete in the UFC as a Heavyweight. This news comes at an interesting time in the division that recently saw Stipe Miocic retire Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 and sports a number of viable contenders coming through the ranks.

With Stipe Miocic versus Francis Ngannou all but confirmed to be the next Heavyweight title fight, Jones may have to wait for his shot which may lead him into pursuing another opponent to prepare him for the different challenges the division presents.

As Jon Jones begins the process of putting on weight, here are the five fights we'd love to see the greatest Light Heavyweight of all time take on in as he enters a new division in the UFC.

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#5 Junior dos Santos (21-8)

Dos Santos is still only 36 despite his wealth of experience

Junior dos Santos is now on a three-fight losing streak following his second round KO loss to Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 252. He is, however, still the No.7 ranked Heavyweight in the world and a former UFC Champion with a lot of big fight experience.

While Dos Santos appears to have lost a step, given his recent results, he might be exactly the sort of opponent Jon Jones would seek out as he aims to make a name for himself in the Heavyweight division.

With a win, Jon Jones immediately asserts himself as an elite Heavyweight and puts himself in a position to demand a title match right away. He also reduces the risk of taking a loss given that Dos Santos doesn't seem as dangerous as he was in his prime and is certainly not as much of a threat as some of the other options in the division.

UFC would be sure to make good money by pitting these two former champions against each other and Dos Santos would have one last to chance to start climbing the rankings once again.

#4 Jairzinho Rozenstruik (11-1)

Rozenstruik defeated a former champion in Junior Dos Santos last time out

While Rozenstruik is a step up from Dos Santos in terms of competition, as shown in his last performance, this is an option that might very well be appealing to the UFC and Jon Jones.

With the title picture all tied up for a little while, given that Miocic vs. Ngannou won't take place until December at the earliest, it makes sense that the UFC would like a Jon Jones fight in the mean time given how big a draw he is.

Curtis Blaydes and Derrick Lewis have a fight scheduled already, which leaves Rozenstruik as the highest ranked active fighter currently without an opponent.

This fight would be a real test for Jon Jones, given Rozenstruik's power, so there would undoubtedly be plenty of interest from fans.

The winner of the match is also immediately elevated into the title picture given the two impressive records these men have.

Should Jon Jones lose, it would likely be put down as too tough a challenge early on in his heavyweight career and if Rozenstruik is on the other end of the result, it can be put down to him taking on one of the greatest of all time.

#3 Stipe Miocic (20-3)

Miocic has defended the heavyweight title more than any other fighter

Another option that will likely be appealing to Jon Jones is simply waiting. Why risk a loss in a non-title fight when Jones easily has the credentials to demand the title shot following Miocic and Ngannou.

Jon Jones can take his time putting on the weight required as he has stated he intends to do and fight for the title when the opportunity presents itself.

Should Miocic win, a fight between Jon Jones and the reigning UFC Heavyweight Champion would be an enormous draw for the company.

Miocic, who the company now tout as the greatest Heavyweight of all time, up against the greatest Light Heavyweight of all time is an easy sell for the fans. While this fight may not be quiet as mouth-watering as the two to come on this list, Miocic may be the most likely first fight for Jon Jones at Heavyweight and could still be an option for the former Light Heavyweight Champion should even if Ngannou wins the title.

#2 Daniel Cormier (22-3)

Cormier lost to Miocic at UFC 252 via decision

As of Saturday Jon Jones' greatest rival, Daniel Cormier, is retired. So this one is a bit of a stretch. He said he was done and most people agree that is the correct decision for him at this stage of his career.

However, given Cormier's farewell to the sport was somewhat tainted by an eye poke that left him with a torn cornea and unable to see out of his eye, it doesn't seem unlikely that at least a small part of him would be tempted to re-write the final chapter in his career.

Perhaps renewing MMA's greatest rivalry could be tempting enough to pull Cormier out of retirement as he could attempt to finally get one over his arch-nemesis in Jon Jones.

At Heavyweight, one could argue, Cormier stands a better chance, as he wouldn't have to go through the brutal weight cut down to 205lbs. Jon Jones would undoubtedly like to get one over his rival once again and the UFC would stand to make huge money off the back of the fight. Maybe, if enough money is waved at DC, he could be convinced too. While this one is probably the least likely to take place, one can't help but wonder what if it will actually happen.

#1 Francis Ngannou (15-3)

Ngannou last defeated Rozenstruik at UFC 249

While Francis Ngannou may not have the stellar resume of the last two fighters on this list, his fight versus Jon Jones may prove to be the biggest of them all.

Ngannou has been on an unbelievable tear through the Heavyweight division and, should he replicate his recent performances against Miocic, he could soon become one of the biggest stars the UFC has seen in recent years.

Once again, with this option, Jon Jones has the luxury of waiting and not risking a loss by taking a non-title fight beforehand.

These two have already teased a fight previously. Given Ngannou has already ran through most of the top contenders in the UFC Heavyweight division, a title bout against Jon Jones creates a fresh match-up and an intriguing fight on paper.

Would Jones with his speed and technique be able to find a way to win against the scariest man in the world? Jones versus Ngannou has the potential to be one of the greatest super fights MMA has ever seen.